The Story of Klement Tchtatelnikov | Stephanos Kamaris 7/2-9/3/2012

Klement Tchtatelnikov was born in Moscow in 1897. Although little is known about him, the recent discovery, in a half-ruined building, of a series of sculptural installations may vindicate the mystery that surrounded his life and (possible) death.

Wish-machines, magic machines, wish-monuments, “antimachines” that self-destruct, ambiguous educational games, and sculptures in which Stalin moustaches predominate... and a door with many eyes: a self-portrait - as it is entitled - after Tchtatelnikov’s release from the notorious Solovki Island Gulag.

This unusual museum also houses a work by another character, Klement Tchtatelnikov’s one-time friend, the twice-decorated - as the box containing various personal belongings attests - Vitaliy Bozov. Tchtatelnikov refers to him in at least three of his works, including the Everburgundy Game, in which the pair compete in a final chess match with rather different rules…